Surface Analysis Of 24% Lead Crystal Glass Articles: Correlation With Lead Release

The surface of unused lead crystal wine goblets before and after acetic acid extraction tests was analysed with the surface analytical techniques electron problem microanalysis (EPMA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The release of lead was determined by 24h extraction tests with 4% acetic acid at room temperature, preparing the samples in two conditions: unwashed (as received, formed and stored for 6 months) and washed with water. Lead release in the first 5 minutes was 50% of the 24h release. 24h lead release decreased by about 20% after washing. Pb release from samples exposed to a second or third acetic acid extraction test was a small fraction of the initial one.